Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Kenneth Binder, Sheriff
Subject: Agreement between the County of San Mateo Sheriff’s Office and the Service League of San Mateo County for programs and services offered to incarcerated adults
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement with Service League of San Mateo County to provide programs and services to the incarcerated population, for the term of October 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $535,236.
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BACKGROUND:
Since 1989, the Service League of San Mateo County has been committed to providing direct services to the justice-involved population in San Mateo County through library, chaplaincy, and jail support services.
Library services include the law and recreational library services at both San Mateo County jail facilities. The law librarian supports incarcerated individuals eligible to represent themselves in court. The librarian provides books, hard copies of case law, Senate and Assembly bills, and other legal documents. The law librarian distributes pre-addressed legal mailing envelopes to eligible individuals. Working with the Sheriff’s Office and SMC Libraries, the Service League supports the recreation library needs of the incarcerated population by fulfilling individual requests for books and providing open-cart library services to housing units.
The chaplaincy coordinator supports incarcerated individuals' religious and spiritual needs by recruiting religious providers and coordinating group services and one-on-one meetings. The coordinator establishes and maintains relationships with various denominations throughout the County and the Bay Area, ensuring that the diverse needs of different faiths within the correctional facilities are met. This coordinator manages the schedule for religious services and keeps track of faith-based holidays and observances. The coordinator collaborates with corrections staff to ensure that religious materials, prayer supplies, and requests for special religious meal plans are provided.
Jail support services meet the needs of the incarcerated population in many ways. For example, jail coordinators manage the jury clothing process so individuals can attend court appropriately dressed. Coordinators communicate urgent messages between family members and loved ones, coordinate property releases, arrange vital notary services, and support the voter registration and ballot distribution process. As individuals prepare for release, jail coordinators provide clothing, hygiene kits, and transportation vouchers to those in need.
DISCUSSION:
In the Spring of 2026, the Sheriff’s Office facilitated a Request for Proposal process for jail programming and services and selected the Service League of San Mateo County as one provider. The proposal fulfilled key service areas for the needs of the incarcerated population, including recreation and law library support, chaplaincy services, and jail support services.
Staff recommends an agreement with Service League of San Mateo County to provide programs and services to the incarcerated population, for the term of October 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $535,236 (“Agreement”).
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-25 Actual |
FY 2025-2026 Actual |
FY 26-27 Projected |
|
Number of Religious Services Held |
1,006 |
1,228 |
1,000 |
|
Percent of Incarcerated Person Requests Answered within 2 Business Days |
99% |
99% |
99% |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Providing library, chaplaincy, and jail support services for the incarcerated population represents a commitment to addressing inequities within the criminal justice system.
Equitable and inclusive law library services help to address systemic barriers that often hinder marginalized populations from navigating legal processes effectively. Incarcerated individuals are ensured the fundamental right of access to legal information and equipped with knowledge to understand their cases, explore legal remedies, advocate for themselves, make informed decisions about their legal situations, and engage with the justice system effectively.
The provision of chaplaincy services within correctional facilities addresses a fundamental aspect of human dignity: the right to practice and explore one’s faith or spirituality. By prioritizing inclusivity and cultural responsiveness, these services recognize the diversity of religious and cultural needs among incarcerated individuals and mitigate inequities in access to spiritual care, regardless of religious affiliation or non-religious beliefs.
Jail Coordinators provide vital support services while individuals are incarcerated. Equitable access to professional attire for jury appearances ensures incarcerated individuals are afforded the dignity and fair representation they deserve. This reduces potential bias linked to appearance, emphasizes the presumption of innocence, and underscores the principle of equitable treatment within the judicial process.
Jail release services provide critical support to individuals transitioning back into society by directly addressing barriers they face post-incarceration. Jail Coordinators connect marginalized individuals with resources such as clothing, transportation, and community programs, ensuring equitable outcomes, reducing recidivism, and promoting successful reintegration into the community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the Agreement is from October 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, for an amount not to exceed $535,236. There is no Net County Cost associated with this agreement, as it is entirely funded by AB109 Public Safety Realignment Funds.